Saints running back Alvin Kamara returned to full practice participation Wednesday and told reporters he is 'good to go' for Sunday's game against the New York Jets. Kamara has to pass all steps in order to get clearance through the concussion protocol.

Drew Brees helped dedicate a state-of-the-art playground for all children, including those with mobility and sensory challenges, in New Orleans.

Mike Triplett ESPN Staff Writer

Linebacker Michael Mauti was chosen by teammates as the Saints' 2017 Ed Block Courage Award winner after his remarkable comeback from ulcerative colitis. Mauti, 27, left the team last November to aggressively treat the inflammatory bowel disease that had plagued him for years. He underwent three surgeries and lost more than 50 pounds. But he returned in time for training camp, didn't make the team initially, then re-signed in October. He has returned to his role as a core special teams player and a fill-in starter with eight tackles and a forced fumble in eight games played.

A Saints season-ticket holder has filed a lawsuit against the team, saying he never would have bought the tickets if he had known that players would "use Saints football games as a platform for protests."

Mike Triplett ESPN Staff Writer

The Saints signed veteran DE George Johnson, according to ESPN's Field Yates. He should add depth in the wake of rookie Trey Hendrickson's ankle injury, along with DT/DE Sheldon Rankins, DT David Onyemata and DE Hau'oli Kikaha, among other options. Johnson, 30, has appeared in 42 career games with five career starts for the Buccaneers, Vikings and Lions. The 6-4, 265-pounder has six career sacks and two forced fumbles. To make room, the Saints released on-again/off-again OT Bryce Harris.

On Monday, the NFL issued a memo to its teams warning that "significant discipline" will be levied for offensive conduct or contact against game officials. Three players have been ejected this season for making contact with officials.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara is still in the concussion protocol, but the rookie sensation said he expects to be back for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Kevin Seifert NFL Nation

NFL spokesman Joe Lockhart had blunt responses Monday to criticism from Saints coach Sean Payton. Asked about Payton's displeasure that the league has hired Mike Cerullo, a Bountygate whistle-blower, Lockart said, "He's entitled to his opinion." Asked about Payton's complaints about officiating last Thursday night, Lockhart said: "I think everyone is aware of the rules that are in place on public criticism of our officials, and those who need to be reminded occasionally are reminded."

Saints coach Sean Payton called the NFL hiring of former New Orleans whistleblower Mike Cerullo "unbelievable," but the NFL says Cerullo is not involved with the review of Payton's conduct toward the officials in Thursday's game.

Saints coach Sean Payton, whose behavior toward the officials will be reviewed by the NFL, is still fuming Friday at the "extremely poor" officiating during Thursday's loss.

Mike Triplett ESPN Staff Writer

Saints coach Sean Payton said he has not talked to anyone from the NFL yet about possible discipline for himself, but he was still fuming on Friday afternoon over what he called "extremely poor" officiating in Thursday's 20-17 loss at Atlanta and said the inconsistency and "confidence level" in officials needs to be improved from the top of the league office. "It's frustrating when you have a game, instead of it being decided on the field like it's supposed to, you have a crew make so many mistakes in one event," said Payton, who pointed to a questionable roughing the passer call against Saints DT Sheldon Rankins and the defensive holding calls that were called against the Saints but not called against Saints WR Michael Thomas.

Rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore wasn't at 100 percent and sees room for improvement the next time he faces the Falcons' star receiver.

Tristan H. Cockcroft ESPN Senior Writer

Michael Thomas has faced the Falcons three times in his career and scored at least 20 PPR fantasy points each time, averaging 26.5. Heads up: He faces them again in Week 16 (plus gets a great matchup at Tampa Bay in Week 17).